The Power of Dialogue: Words to Action

The freedom of expression is a foundational tenet of democracy, and of individual freedom. At the Global Forum for Human Survival, where Akio gathered 100 spiritual leaders and 100 political leaders to discuss the world’s largest problems and its future, there was no agenda. The openness that each participant brought with them, the willingness to cross cultural and religious barriers made James Lovelock write,

“The Global Forum did not end with the departure of the coaches from Oxford on April 15, 1988. For many of us it still goes on as a new and thrilling way of life, a rewarding and purposeful communion that has sustained us and set our minds and hearts on the true task ahead: to ensure not just human survival, but the survival of all life through living in harmony with the Earth itself. (Foreword of Earth Conference One)”

Dialogue is our weapon this century, of our generation now. It’s how to win hearts and minds.

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New Type of Confrontation and the 25th Anniversary of the Moscow Global Forum

“He has the spirit of a saint, the skill of a mediator, the mind of one inspired by an awesome Creator, and Cosmic friend, and the imaginative courage of a genuine, one of a kind, historic initiator. His sense of urgency is grounded in the dramatic and traumatic struggle of our time which is as much spiritual as it is political.”

Glenn Olds, former U.S. ambassador to the UN, former president of Kent State

“A spiritual beginning must be the basis of any initiative. Akio has always faithfully acted upon this conviction. His devotion to it has made it possible for him not only to overcome numerous obstacles and problems but also help others.”

Mikhail Gorbachev, former president, USSR

“I have a powerful position of the UN, a staff of 4,000 and a huge office, but Akio does not have any of this. However he can bring President Gorbachev and Mother Teresa together at a meeting, which I cannot do.”

Bradford Morse, Administrator of the UNDP, former U.S. Congressman

“Akio is the most completely selfless, dedicated person I have ever known. Failure is a word he does not know. It is only for him a challenge to move forward again.”

John Whitehead, former co-chair of Goldman Sachs, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State.

“Akio Matsumura was one of the first global citizens I met many years back in a forum in Moscow. His genuine concern and compassion for all people inspired me to see my own connection to the rest of humanity. Evolution will move forward for the better because of people like him.”

Jim Paredes, celebrated Philippino musician

“Akio’s modesty is key to his achievements. He does not try to control the outcome of his conferences: the delegates are genuinely free to discuss what they want, and how. This openness is, I believe, the key to his success.”

Anuradha Vittachi, Co-founder of the OneWorld Network and OneClimate

Akio is a motivation, a movement and an inspiration on the globe. He is bridging the gap between generations, religion, politics and nations. He is a true global citizen and a peacemaker, a man of dedication.

Lubna Malik, International Schools Coordinator (Lahore, Pakistan)

“Akio Matsumura is in the truest sense of the phrase “a citizen of the world”. He has no ideological agenda beyond the betterment of the human condition. A remarkable and admirable person.”

Ambassador Stephen Bosworth, Dean of the Fletcher School at Tufts University

Akio and President Gorbachev

Senator Claiborne Pell and Akio

Akio and His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Dr. Thor Heyerdhal and his wife at Akio's

Akio and Chairman Arafat

Finding the Missing Link is a project by Akio Matsumura to connect people, information, and ideas to provide effective and innovative solutions to new types of international problems. Read more.